Word Origin & History

chancellor early 12c. (a variant form existed in O.E.), from O.Fr. chancelier, from L.L. cancellarius "keeper of the barrier, secretary, usher of a law court," so called because he worked behind a lattice at a basilica or law court (see chancel). In the Roman Empire, a sort of court usher; the post gradually gained importance in the Western kingdoms.

Example Sentences for chancellor

All their heads are turned, and the Chancellor's as much or more than any.

A Chancellor was originally a man in charge of a chancel, or grating, Lat.

I accordingly saw the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the earliest opportunity.

"You must not capitulate with your Sovereign," said the Chancellor.

The Chancellor, however, expected in return for the patents in question a gratuity which was thought excessive at Ferrara.

A promised me that when 'a should come to be Chancellor 'a would advance me.'

The Chancellor Bestoujeff had all the letters of recall brought to him, and sent them back to Saxony under pretext of informality.

There was no mistaking the urgency in the Chancellor's voice.

Then, after a silence potent with meaning, and punctuated with a gasp, the Chancellor "found himself" again.

On the day of the Chancellor's visit to her mother she went to tea in the schoolroom.